Question regarding this razor.

Hi All. I did the newbie mistake and purchased my first SR off ebay.. In my defense I hadn't read through the ebay 101 thread and only just recently found this amazing site... that said I'd really appreciate some of your opinions on this razor and some of my concerns...

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Here she is. I love the simplicity and the fact that it was made in NYC during the 20's... even if I can't use it, I still think it's awesome.

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Here's a nick highlighted by the box.. It's pretty small but, quite honestly, I have no idea how bad it is.

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Here's some pitting that's pretty close to the edge. Not sure how bad it is till i get it in front of me but figure I'd point it out.

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And finally here's a chip in the handle. I'm pretty sure it doesn't effect anything as it isn't cracked through but I was hoping somebody could confirm that or not.

Here's the description of the blade. The maker is confirmed on this site:

This is an antique straight razor made by Joseph Hollinger New York. I believe this razor date to early 1920s. It is in very good overall condition with 5/8" half round point blade with some pitting ,scratches and tarnishing spots it is free of any corrosion, nicks, chips, or sharpening damage. The cutting edge is well honed and smooth, it pass the test with hinging hear of the back of my hand … Front shank reads HOLLINGER HAND MADE it has a stamp # 305 on the reverse of the monkey tail that I believe is model number It has black Bakelite handles they showing some wear and scratches,there is one small chip close to the wedge spacer, but they are free of cracks, or other damage with two pins that appear original, it has a white wage spacer.Generally the razor is showing prior use, but not abuse, it opens and closes snug and smooth on the pivot pin and well centered between the handles. There is no box with this razor.


If you made it this far I truly appreciate your time!

Welcome!

I'm far from an authority on any of your concerns, but I can relate as I'm still in my first year of straights and a frequent eBay'er.

The small nick on your blade is a valid concern in that the seller described the edge as "free of any corrosion, nicks, chips, or sharpening damage." If you wanted to go through the trouble--largely depending on what you paid for it--you could request the seller take the item back. There is the possibility that you'll have to eat the shipping back, and on a $20 razor it may be worth keeping. The nick itself should be very easy to hone out--leaving you with a perfectly serviceable shaver. There seems to be a minimal amount of existing hone wear on the blade which suggests that the blade has a fair amount of life left in it. The problem is that unless you have a buddy who can set you up with a honed edge you'll be looking at another $20-30 dollars into this purchase. (I'm comfortable honing my own blades but not confident honing for others else I'd offer!)

The minor pitting and scale damage look insignificant to me; overall a very nice looking razor! Have fun whatever happens!

ps. I recognize that wood background--I've purchased from this seller more than once and had good experiences. He seems to do a fairly high volume of razors and knives and your nick probably just got overlooked. Fwiw.

If there s no hairline crack there then that chip will hone out. No biggie. Congrats on you next big adventure. Its alot of fun.

Thank you guys for your time and input! I purchased the blade for about 20 shipped so even if it turns out that I can't use it, I'll be happy keeping it as an antique. I had planned on taking it in to a local shave shop in the city for honing so hopefully they'll be able to help me out with the nick. Once the razor comes in I'll get some macro shots of it.

I can't thank you guys enough for your input. Be well!

From the pics that should work out to be a great shaving razor. The scale chip is nothing and the blade will hone out just fine.

I agree with Nelson (that's called being kind to the elderly :p)
That chip is so small that I think the seller legitimately described it is 'not having nicks'.
It should be a good shaver.

thanks for the encouragement guys. I can't wait to get it.

Hey Jon,

Your blade looks waaaaaay better than a couple I bought off ebay. It is almost certainly recoverable.
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If you want to learn to hone your own, check out gssixgun's videos. I learned from him the utility of a DMT325 followed by Norton 1k, 4K & 8K.

If you don't intend to get into honing, Glen or others here can get it shave ready for you. In either case, use it!!

Good luck.

Coloshaver! Thank you so much for sharing...Your resto jobs on those blades came out amazing! Great work!

I have some knife sharpening experience but I think I'll leave honing to the pros while I get a bit more comfortable with handling the blade to my face first ;)

I absolutely intend to use it and am much more reassured after seeing what you were capable of doing to restore yours.

Can't thank you enough. Be well!